If you’re doing a lot more dog-walking in the warm weather these days, that’s great—but it also means your pet is more exposed to parasites. Do you know who else loves to be on the move when it gets warmer? Fleas and ticks! Fleas are more than just an annoyance. They can trigger allergies and give your pet tapeworm, cause anemia, and trigger allergies, while ticks are well-known carriers of many diseases, including Lyme. Many of these illnesses are also transmittable to humans, so protecting your pets means safeguarding your entire family.

When it comes to heartworm, prevention is vital. It’s hard to diagnose, as many animals don’t show symptoms until the disease is advanced. While there is a treatment for canines, it can be costly and very hard on your pet. Because heartworm is spread through Mosquitoes, we see many cases on the rise during the warmer months.

At Lake Pine Animal Hospital, we highly recommend speaking to your veterinarian about parasite prevention and finding the right fit for you and your pet!

Don’t take chances with your pet’s health! We can help you choose which parasite preventive medications are best for your pet—some that you only need to give your pet annually! Have questions about parasite protection? Just give us a call at (919) 380-1157!

Here are a few tips to make sure your pet stays safe as the weather changes and you start getting out more:

  • Make sure that your pet is regularly taking their preventatives for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. If you have not been diligent with heartworm medications, we can run a simple test to ensure that you are heartworm-free.
  • Be aware of other bugs! Bees and other insects are on the move in spring and if your pet is stung, you’ll want to know what to do. Look for a stinger and remove if possible. You’ll also want to reduce swelling, which you can do by creating a baking soda and water paste. Check with your vet about administering an antihistamine to stave off an allergic reaction.
  • Lastly, grow your garden with care. Fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides can have ingredients that can make your pet very sick if they’re ingested. Also, many spring-blooming plants are highly toxic to pets—check out this list of poisonous plants to avoid in your home and garden if possible.

Ready to schedule your next appointment, or have questions about parasite protection? Don’t hesitate to call us at (919) 380-1157!